Route 83 bridge over I-91 in Springfield to be closed for about 3 weeks

SPRINGFIELD - The Route 83 bridge over Interstate 91 will be closed to traffic, starting on Monday.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced that the bridge will be closed approximately three weeks. The closure will not occur until after the morning rush on Monday. The bridge carries Route 83 over I-91 from The Julia B. Buxton (South End) Bridge.

A detour will send drivers to East Columbus Avenue, to the intersection of Main Street, where they can reconnect with Longhill Street.

The bridge will be closed so that the contractor can clean and paint the structural steel. As part of this work, the contractor will use various lane closures on Interstate 91 for the duration of the bridge closure. Variable message boards have been activated to warn drivers of the upcoming closure.

This work is the final major piece of I-91 bridge rehabilitation project, according to a release from the state Department of Transportation. The project is scheduled for completion in November of this year and is ahead of schedule.